FOREST. FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. I 1 5 



then there are now no natural oyster lands in this State sufficiently pro- 

 ductiye to answer the requirements. 



It must be understood that as soon as natural oysters are found, 

 numbers of fishermen crowd to the locality and the shellfish, before they 

 are as large as a one cent piece, are raked up and sold as seed. A few 

 weeks or even days may suffice to deplete entirely the locality of oysters. 

 That the shellfish product under such destructive manipulation was in 

 imminent danger of being practically wiped out, and that oysters might 

 soon be obtainable only as a luxury for the rich, was years ago appreciated 

 by those who had given the subject attention and in consequence the 

 existing system of State control was inaugurated. Under this system 

 lands under water are granted to oyster planters at a fixed rental. The 

 planters are encouraged to make every effort and adopt every improvement 

 which may be expected to increase the quantity and improve the quality 

 of the product. Millions of dollars are now invested in the industry. The 

 arch enemy of the oyster and the bane of every planter, the star-fish, is 

 successfully combated; other enemies are effectively dealt with, and numer- 

 ous unfavorable conditions are met and overcome. 



Improved Vessels. 



Appliances have been improved, and the types of vessels used in the 

 business are constantly bettered. The writer is cognizant of a number 

 of power boats now in course of construction which will be adapted to 

 carry burdens of from one thousand to five thousand bushels of oysters. 

 Such vessels are equipped with power dredges operated by independent 

 engines; with star-fish mops capable of raising hundreds of bushels of these 

 pests in a day, and with live steam apparatus for destroying the stars. 

 Planters may now obtain sufficient lands to give employment to their 

 energies and to warrant substantial investments in up-to-date working 

 plants. They have the benefit of carefully made surveys and accurate 

 maps, making it possible to relocate lines when necessary. Each planter 

 may know his own tract and feel that he is protected in his property rights. 

 Without known and visible lines and boundaries, punishment for the larceny 

 of planted oysters could hardly be depended upon. The maintenance of 

 the State system has resulted in the growth of an immense industry, giving 



